Rudd's Intimacy story

Consistent labor is a good way to develop grit and perseverance.

You can do that just by living here? I should consider immigrating!

What value is there in meaningless labor? Just stop now.

Alright! A challenge! What will you do for me if I win?

Why do all races on the surface seem to lack effort...? Maybe it's just me?

Then perhaps I should make it objective and set some standards first? Even though everyone other than me would fall short...

If they make the effort to come to the hall where I'll be lecturing, then sure.

You mean they're hiding their power? Thanks for helping me realize. They made me get careless... a lot.

Who is the strongest on the surface? I'll defeat them and take their place.

Does the word "strongest" have a different meaning up here?

Are you talking about that werebeast who always sleeps while standing? Is she truly the strongest?

Where her strength lies isn't really my forte... but perhaps it's worth a try? It might be an opportunity to get stronger.

If I beat you, can I become the Master? Do you have the courage to accept my challenge?

The hierarchy system up here is hard to understand. Even though you have high-ranking and low-ranking individuals, similar to us dragons.

You're rather bold. Since you're higher ranking than me, I get to hit you first.

I hope you don't think I'm all brawn and no brains. The way a class society works can be a lot simpler than you think.

I'm concerned that no one is challenging Daya. I'm sure she wants to fight too.

I already have several times, but I'm no match for her. And besides, she probably wants to fight someone else.

I guess you could call that a strategy. Are they waiting for her to let her guard down?

Rudd looks me up and down expressionlessly, pretending she didn't hear me.

What do I do if there's someone I don't like on the surface? It's frustrating that there's no way to challenge anyone.

There's this one punk who says that my ruby looks like strawberry candy and licks it.

Is it that simple? Maybe the laws up here aren't so bad after all...

Shouldn't anger be resolved promptly? Dealing with it later only obscures its significance.

Why does everyone keep asking me to breathe fire when they see me?

The grown-ups too. I mean, it still feels nice to know that they like me.

I can certainly shoot a mean right hook if you want...

Transform...? Transform into what? What are you talking about?

While eating, Rudd suddenly crosses her arms and stares at me. Her face starts to turn red.

Hngh... *Breathes out...* I suddenly felt like holding my breath. Breath-holding can be good for certain exercises, you know...

There is a strange air of tension as the staring contest carries on. It comes to an end when Rudd throws a fake punch that causes me to blink.

Rudd gets angry and throws the cake away. That day, I tremble in fear until closing time.

I want to order something that boosts stamina for my fitness training.

I heard that on the surface, the one who feeds you holds the most power. But does that give them the right to do as they please?

Training conditions not only your body but also your mind. Training is a meaningful activity in itself.

Taste doesn't matter as long as it's full of nutrients. *Nom, nom...* Well... maybe... it does matter a little...

Don't forget: unwavering dedication will never let you down.

But your body won't forget the sweat you shed in the process of trying.

...Let's just say, "will never let you down" is up for interpretation.

That's right. If you really make an effort, there'll be no regrets even if you end up failing.

The dragons these days don't put in as much effort as they used to. Hard work is the only way to survive...

That's nowhere near enough. They're still far from meeting my standards.

I've never pressured or forced anyone. In the end, they can do what they want.

Yeah, that's right—what they really need is grit. Now we're finally speaking the same language.

Grit is important, but pushing yourself relentlessly without any rest isn't good either.

Taking a break already when you haven't even started training yet? That's not what I meant.

Even I get tired when I'm tired and need to rest when it's time to rest. It's more efficient that way too.

I was actually thinking of doing that. The meals here are quite nutritionally balanced.

The pain you feel after an intense weight training session—that pain makes me stronger.

Hehe, do you have some training experience? Could be nice to work out together sometime.

Hmm... You didn't understand what I meant. Someday you'll be able to feel it.

...Hmm? I'm not sure what you mean. Does the Queen of the Sprite Kingdom do weight training with her crown?

A balanced diet is also important for self-improvement. Are you taking good care of yourself?

Hmm, if you say so. I'll trust that you're taking good care of yourself.

It might be convenient for now, but you'll definitely regret it later. I recommend making some improvements.

Hmm... Then shall we start with some soft, nutrient-rich mineral ore?

Isn't there a good way to encourage the dragons to train?

Hmm. Actually, isn't rising in the ranks the best reward for a dragon?

What a wea mindset. For the dragons to grow stronger, you must be more resolute.

That's what I'm always doing, but... you're right. I'll put in a little more effort.

Warming up is essential before training. Won't you join me?

I like how refreshing and straightforward you are. Let's warm up first. We'll start right away.

Hmm. How about we start with a light jog around the Sprite Kingdom, maybe three laps?

I'm not going to force you, but... it's good to always remember that consistent training is a necessity, not a choice.

You should always live with the mindset, that there's nothing that can't be accomplished with grit.

Of course there are. But aren't there far more things that can be accomplished with grit?

I didn't mean it that way, but if you take it positively, that's good.

Motto? I suppose it could be, in a way. What's your motto?

That Silphir has been quiet lately. When will she come for another duel?

I always win, but she keeps trying different approaches, which makes it interesting.

Hmm. I'm curious what it might be. Though I'll win anyway.

...You're quite the jokester. I'll let it slide this time, but be careful next time.

You can't get complacent just because you've reached a high position. The higher you climb, the more you need to push yourself.

Oh, I didn't mean it that way. But hey, if what I said helps, then great.

Of course. I just say what I live by.

Of course you do. I just meant that mindset and self-discipline are what matter most.

There's no such thing as a lucky punch. That's all the result of endless effort too.

I took a big hit from Silphir in our last duel. Guess she's been training just as much.

In a way, that's right. It'd be better to rename it to Grit Punch or Effort Punch.

Didn't you hear what I said? You'd need the effort for that.